At around 11pm on Saturday, December 3 it was reported that a woman had been raped by a man in James Street.

Merseyside Police have now released CCTV images of two women they believe could help with their enquiries.

Police believe the women may have witnessed something as they were walking close to the scene of the reported incident.

Police have released images of two women they want to speak to

Detective Constable Claire McDonald said: “These women are not in any trouble and are not suspects in our enquiries, but we believe they may have been witnesses to part of the incident and could assist with our investigation.

“We know they walked along Lower Castle Street, the road that runs down the rear of the Slaughterhouse Pub and Manhattan Bar, shortly before the incident was reported to have happened.

“I would appeal to the women, or anyone who knows them, to come forward and assist with our investigation.”

A 32-year-old man from Kirkby was arrested on suspicion of rape and released on bail pending further enquiries.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Merseyside Police on 0151 777 1382 or the Crimestoppers line anonymously on 0800 555 111.